The Informers

As I wasn't at the meeting on Thursday night I haven't got full notes of what was discussed, so enclose some comments sent to me:
Mandy - Re The Informers - Interesting and atmospheric but in the end over long, suffering from being a translation.
Rona - didn't enjoy last book at all lost the entire plot several times doubt if it would make any more sense in Spanish, but willing to believe it might be , I am by nature an optimist!
Cindy: I agree with Mandy about The Informers. Intriguing at first, but I lost the plot, literally and figuratively, toward the end. I haven't managed to make it to the end yet.
Rowena: I also haven't made it to the end, not sure I have the will to make it there!
Boos: Sorry!
(No need to apologies - you haven't read some of the ones we've selected - much worse, Love of Stones anyone?)

Lovely Thai at 209 Munster Road - definitely one to recommend, love the owner! Mandy got on famously, I really want to try her version of bread sauce!

Next book based on the fact that 3 out of 5 voted for it:
Toast by Nigel Slater

Next Meeting
126 Harbord Street
(to be confirmed that Amanda and Peter can hold it)
on either
Friday 15 or 22 January.
Please advise.

Midaq Alley by Naquib Mahfouz

An intimate story of the various characters within a generic street in Cairo. With no sympathetic characters it was a difficult book to warm to. The characters seemed be symbolic of types rather than characters in themselves. It may have been the translation but the prose lacked some lyricism. Of those that finished the book it was liked, but generally rather a luke warm reception. Marks out of 10 between 3 - 7. Comments: a portrait rather than a story, good but didn't rock my world, post war Coronation Street on hashish, not as much fun as Twilight!

Next Book
The Informers by Juan Gabriel Vasquez

Next Meeting
Thursday 17th December

Meet at 234 Munster Road to talk about the book
and then out to a restuarant for a Christmas get together.

Grapes of Wrath

We finally managed to meet to discuss this book. It generated much discussion even if we didn't all enjoy the book. The three of us who saw the play, appreciated the shock of the ending - which on stage and on page caused a sharp intake of breath. Most enjoyed his prose but found the characters difficult. It was interesting seeing the beginnings of unionisation with the desciptions of man exploitation of an other's hardship. No quarter given, no charity handouts, a hard hard life.

Rona, was unable to make the meeting but saw the play and sent these comments "My comments for book club on Steinbeck's Nobel prize winning epic mmmmmmmmm, I loved reading it although it was at times a bit like eating sensible salad rather than delicious full fat cheese. What I mean is that the quality of writing and descriptions of such harrowing times were superlative, but not easy to read. I knew quite a bit about the Highland clearances which affected families in a similar way but we were not taught anything about American history when I was at school,so I feel informed and moved by the plight of the fictional family portrayed, my three words would be harrowing,epic,poetic.......particularly the last scene." Rona's precis encapsulates the discussion we had.

Words used to describe the book: beautifully descriptive, haunting, labouring, remarkable, bloody boring (Anneka). The book was marked highly between 7 - 9 out of 10.

Next Book

Midaq Alley by Naquib Mahfouz

Next Meeting

Thursday 19th November
at
234 Munster Road

(please let Boos know if you are coming as space is limited - no prams!)

The Other Hand

Thank you Mandy for holding the meeting at such short notice - Amanda we've volunteered you to hold the next one in September! No cricket matches then........... Thanks to Eloise for setting up all the delicious bits and fabulous table.

The book: an interesting premise; what would you do if cutting off a finger meant saving the life of an African child that you had never met before - would you do it? The rest of the book was concerned with the central character's life and the girl. How the main character and her husband had got to that point and the consequences of this event on their lives. Giles hated the book even though he hadn't read it, didn't know what it was about and wasn't going to try it. The rest of us were underwhelmed. It would have made the most amazing short story a taut, demanding and interesting moral story. We didn't really discuss the story although picked the construction of the book apart. Absent members (Amanda & Peter) critic "We both read the book. Can't say either of us liked it. The plot was implausible. Characters not well drawn. Unsure why anyone would call this book a thriller as it lacked the necessary pace". Words used to describe it: misrepresented, good not great, oversold, shoot the editor, interestingly divisive. Marks out of 10 between 4 - 7.

Next Book
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Next meeting
Wednesday 16th September
at
128 Harbord Street

sWine Flu - symptoms!

I suffer from this quite often: I always knew it was a real disease, at last it has been recognised!. I went to Book Club a couple of nights ago, where I, and other guests, enjoyed copious amounts of alcohol. I awoke the other morning not feeling well, with what could be described as flu-like symptoms: headache, nausea, chills, sore eyes etc. I have unfortunately tested positive for what experts are now calling Wine Flu. This debilitating condition is very serious - and it appears that mine is not an isolated case. Reports are flooding in from all around the neighbourhood of others diagnosed with Wine Flu.

To anyone that starts to exhibit the aforementioned tell-tale signs, experts are recommending a cup of tea and a bit of a lie down. However, should your condition worsen, you should immediately hire a DVD and take some Nurofen (Nurofen seems to be the only drug available that has been proven to help combat this unusual type of flu). Other are reporting that a McDonald's Happy Meal can also help in some cases. Wine Flu does not need to be life threatening and, if treated early, can be eradicated within a 24-48 hour period. If not, then further application of the original liquid in similar quantities to the original dose has been shown to do the trick!

The Books of Rachel

Almost a full complement of the book club members! Including our youngest member and her parents, she was so lovely and well behaved - where does she get it from? Welcome also to our newest member Boos (Amanda) Meader, we do hope you enjoy our eclectic book club. A thin title for a gossipy evening!

The book - most of us found the book interesting historically as it flitted through time, at speed, with each change of Rachel and her turn with the diamond. As the book covered so much history characterisation was thin and story lines slightly contrived. As someone said - this book is definitely 'of it's time, you can feel the late 70's in the way it is written'. About half of us finished the book, with the other half struggling to finish.
Marks out of 10 - nothing higher than a 4, words to describe it: too Jewish, dated, shallow, lacking depth.

Next Book
The Other Hand by Chris Cleave

Next Meeting
As our new member cannot make 16th July let's see if we can find another date.
At
128 Harbord Street

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Those delicious cheesy bites with added pepper crunch - yum yum. See side for Nikki's recipe! The book: an easy, enjoyable, interesting read. Some found the characterisation to be slightly shallow especially the child Kit, who was always perfect and lovely? What child is that? Atmospheric and even handed in it's portrayal of the island under the German Occupation. We all enjoyed the book and the literary society it portrayed. It has kindled an interested in some of the authors and books mentioned - Charles Lamb anyone. One of our absent members emailed her comments (thanks Amanda) "The book was great, very Jane Austen. Characters well drawn. It felt like unwrapping slowly a present, as the story unfolded."
Words to describe it: enjoyable, atmospheric, charming, let down, interesting. Marks out of 10: between 6 - 8, so quite a high scoring book which we would recommend others read.

Next book

The Books of Rachel by Joel Gross

Next Meeting

Thursday 11 June at 126 Harbord Street - Rowena's

The Seige of Krishnapur

The Shed is fabulous, the little eats were delicious and the log fire fantastic. We want to come again. Recipe for the seasoned nuts to come. Thank you Rona. PS. forgot to take some brownies with me, Jack very cross.
To the book: JG Farrell used contemporary diaries, letters and writing for the basis of this book about a fictional town under attack during the Indian Mutiny. The book was an attack on the British Empire and all it stood for. The gradual disintegration of 'civilization' when under attack and the idea that art, society, class and all that the British held dear really meant nothing. Although bits of black comedy did come through most found the book hard going and many did not finish. Words used to describe it: long but interesting, convoluted sweaty, colonial version of a Jane Austen novel, satirical breakdown of an Empire. Marks out of 10: between 5 - 8.

Next Meeting
Wednesday 6th May at Nikki's, 124 Harbord Street

Next Book
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
by
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows

Running with Scissors

Augusten Burroughs has written about his weird and shocking childhood with the family of his mother's psychotherapist. The camp and well observed details bring the true strangeness of this part of his upbringing to life. His accurate observations about life in the US in the 70's struck a cord and the people were well characterised. Most people enjoyed the book, although there were a couple cynics amongst us who wondered at the extremeness of the events portrayed. Words used to describe it: heart breaking, dystopia dysfunctional, psychotic psychotherapy, bizarre, bohemian, pubic, self indulgent, American therapy and shit! Marks between 2 - 8.

Next Book
The Siege of Khrisnapur by J G Farrell

Next Meeting - change of date
Wednesday 1 April in Rona's Shed

A Spy in the House of Love

A woman looking for affection through sexual gratification. Thought to be a semi autobiographical account of part of her own life. Scandalous at the time. Some found it wonderful loving the lyrical prose and enjoyable use of words. The character engendered differing views - some thinking her shallow and unsympathetic, other finding her an interesting character using sex like a man - without emotion. Most felt the characterisation was not brilliant. Words used to describe it: disjointed, lyrical beauty with a shallow plot, beautiful vignettes, poetically shallow, confusing but poignant, kaleidoscopic. Marks out of 10 ranged 4 - 9.

Next Book
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
Don't buy the DVD of the same name by mistake!

Next Meeting
Wednesday 25th February
at 12 Lysia Street

The Code of Woosters

Review by Mandy Fuller

Last nights meeting at Chrissie's' was great fun although rather poorly attended. We were in fancy dress drinking champagne in some fabulous glasses. Particular mention must be made of Carolyn's cheese straws! We discussed The Code of Woosters chosen by Cindy, who sadly was not there. Three of us had read the book, two had watched the DVD and one had read the wrong book! Comment were 'Jolly jape' 8 out of 10, 'Delicious slice of Britishness' 8 out of 10, ' Pure Joy' 9 out of 10. DVD 'Potent commentary' (can't read my writing - this might be wrong) 9 out of 10. 'Comical view of upper classes' 7 out of 10, 'Jeeves in the Offing' - silly 5 out of 10.

Next Meeting
Tuesday 20th January at 117 Harbord St, 8.30pm

Next Book
A Spy in the House of Love by Anais Nin

The Earthsea Quartet

Oh no another bad book! We have had a run of them! Most of us only managed to read the first of the quartet feeling that it really was too childish to continue with the other three. Ursula le Guin did aim the book at the 11 year old boy, when written in the 70's. I remember reading it as a 12 year old and loving them. Not so good coming back as a 40(ish) year old! Words used to describe it - impenetrable, unreadable, childish, not as much fun as Harry Potter! Marks out of 10 1 - 5

Next Book

The Code of Woosters by P G Wodehouse
If you click on the picture of the book it will take you to Waterstones.

Next Meeting

17th December at 127 Harbord St

NB. For a bit of fun we have decided to theme this meeting - 20's, so dig out your old flapper outfits (if you have any!) bob you hair, Chrissie put the champers on ice and get ready to Charleston! Rona to teach us!

Solar Lottery

Well, what can we say about this book. Many good ideas - almost too many for the story. It was not well written, the storylines were not easy to follow. Those coming to Si-Fi for the first time thought it was dreadful. Those of us who have read Si-Fi before thought that it was not one of the best of it's genre. The author was an 'interesting' man, the style of writing showed 'autistic' tendancy. Generally not a good book. Sorry folks! Words used to describe it: too many plots, interesting concept, unemotional/detached, converluted, a few good ideas badly executed. It scored between 1 - 6.

Next Book

The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin
if you click on the picture it will take you to the amazon secondhand book list

Next Meeting

Wednesday 12 November
at 99 Wardo Avenue
(Cindy's Flat)

Next Event

Date to be confirmed:
Sing-a-long a Mamma Mia at Mandy's House!

Inside the Whale

Firstly, Welcome to our new member Diane Noel - I hope you enjoy the club.
Back to the book: A love story told through characters in narrative flashback. It described well the 'buttoned up' era of the 30/40's. Very sad in it's telling. Many felt the characters were quite shallow and not fully drawn and consequently understanding their motivation was difficult. Although generally liked, no one was particularly entranced with the book/story. Some found the character per chapter quite disorientating. Words used to describe the book: depressing, good first attempt, best on radio, a good story, contrived, could try harder (better editor perhaps), sad, poignant. Marks out of 10 ranged from 5 - 7.

Next Book

Solar Lottery by Phillip Dick
(no smutty jokes please Mandy & Rona - how old are you?)
Si Fi to take us out of comfort zone!

Next Meeting
Amanda 128 Harbord St
on
Wednesday 15 October

The Bellini Card

Tuesday 13 July

Book: The Bellini Card by Jason Goodwin

An intriguing book, more complex than perhaps it needed to be. The descriptions of place and time were very enjoyable. The author's knowledge is obvious in the details. It was not an easy book to read following all the people and various sub plots made it hard to keep all in mind when picking up and putting down - which is how many of us read now. Not a long session all in one go. Words used to describe it: atmospheric, authentic but confusing, difficult to follow, intriguing, too episodic. It scored quite highly between 6 -8.

Next Book

Inside the Whale by Jennie Rooney
(Giles is purchasing a number of books for distribution)

Next Meeting

126 Harbord St - Wed 24th Sept

Paradise Overload by Brian Antoni

Wednesday 16 July

Paradise Overload by Brian Antoni

Firstly, welcome to our new member Judy. We do hope that you enjoy our book club and the eclectic range of literature that we read. This website was started last Sept, not all books have reviews although there is a list of books at the bottom for reference.

Review of the book: Nikki, having lived in the Bahamas and knowing the author read and enjoyed the book which evoked and brought back memories of her time there. Generally those of us who couldn't use those kind of memories while reading this book thought it was 'cheap airport paperback fodder'; too much bad sex and not enough good writing. It scored a low 0 - 4 on the marks and words used to describe it were: crass drivel, seedy - but good storyline, could do better, hustler on coke.

Next Book

The Bellini Card by Jason Goodwin

Next Meeting
Tuesday 12th Aug at 49 Finlay St

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

This book was enjoyed by some and found to be difficult to get into by others. It has two very separate parts - the first sets the scene and the second and enjoyable and fast paced tragic love story which links into the Watson/Holmes story. As the beginning of a genre it was very interesting, you can see the emerging CSI from Holmes's obsession with detail. As characters they were much more interesting than their TV/movie incarnations. Words used to describe the book were - gripping second half, ripping yarn, clipped, absorbing, disjointed. It scored between 3 - 9.

A book that Amanda recommends for good summer reading is City of Dark Hearts by James Conan.

Recipe for the delicious cheese biscuits see separate posting.

Next Book

Paradise Overdose
by
Brian Antoni

Next Meeting

at 53 Finlay St Wednesday 16 July

The L Shaped Room by Lynne Reid Banks

A book of it's time. Set at the begining of the 60's in depressed and bombed out London. An unmarried pregnant woman, sets up home in an attic room in a shabby boarding house in Fulham. The book discusses in the first person the problems associated with and perceptions of unmarried pregnancy at this time. Everyone enjoyed the book, words used to discribe it - influencial, preiod piece, prim yet provocative, seminal, nostalgic yet gritty. It was marked quite highly from 7 - 9. The book reflected the age in which it was written: with it's now unacceptable illustration of jews, blacks and unmarried mothers and the prejudice that prevailed. An interesting book.

Link to a synopsis of the film. http://www.britmovie.co.uk/genres/drama/filmography/029.html

Some one suggested that along side this we should read 'A Taste of Honey' by Shelagh Delaney http://www.britmovie.co.uk/genres/drama/filmography/090.html

Next Book

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

Next Meeting

Wednesday 18th June
at
124 Harbord Street - Nikki's

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Firstly, what a fabulous shed! Wood fire, faux fur lined benches, wine, nibbles and lovely delicious brownies. What more can a book club ask for. A venue to be recommended. Thanks Rona.

The book was generally liked although some found that there were a number of loose ends. A good Gothic read which entertained although slightly lost it's way at the end. An editors meddling someone suggested. It scored between 5 - 8. Words to describe it -imaginative, a compelling read, rollicking yarn, fascinating drama, shallowly Gothic.

Our member from Japan also managed to read the book in time to make a contribution from her blackberry while on the sun drenched shores of Saipan. Are we jealous? As she made her contribution in the face of such hardships I thought I would quote it in it's entirety!

"Wow I finished a book. Not sure if you will get this mail as James's blackberry is having trouble
here in the middle of the pacific ocean. Well I finished the book and enjoyed being under pressure to finish. Quite a good story but not brilliantly written got a little confusing at times maybe that was my falling asleep reading it or was it the sun and beach! I did enjoy it though and would give it a 7/10. Your next job is to find Saipan and where your long distant bookclub member is! Keep choosing recent books and I may be able to read another book!
Not sure what is happening about the house in France but may well be there in August.
Don't drink too much its only Wednesday!!!!!

Love Jackie"

Who would like to host the next meeting? Please email me.

Next Book

The L-Shaped Room by Lynne Reid Banks

Next Meeting

Wednesday 21 May
at

Regeneration by Pat Barker

Due to loo problems at the shed the Book Club was held at Mandy's - Thank you Mandy. We are looking forward to squeezing into the shed once wc problems are sorted - next month perhaps?

The book was well received by those of us there. Most really liked it even if it took a little to get into and to remember who was who. A brilliantly evocative novel about the psycolocgical issues of the men who fought in WW1 - the begining of psychology as 'treatment' of the shellshocked warriors of horror.   The harrowing descriptions and use of factual material only made the restraint of the book more evocative.
Words used to describe the book were: guilt/survival, tragically valiant, poignantly brilliant, devastating.
Marks out of 10  8 - 9, one of the highest marks for any book we've read.

I recommend that those who did enjoy the book read the next two in the trilogy:
The Eye in the Door and The Ghost Road, both extremely interesting explorations of WWI and the psychological effects on those involved.

Next Book
The Thirteenth Tale
by
Diane Setterfield
(as recommended by gay best friend)

Next Meeting
Wednesday 23th April
at
The Shed
31A Palliser Road,